On a job resume, or application, is it better not to list the past jobs, that you got fired?

	On a job resume, or application, is it better not to list the past jobs, that you got fired? I didn't work while raising my kids, for about 15 years, so since my divorce for13 years , I have had some pretty bad jobs! Jobs you would get with no college degree, or much experience. some sales, some office work, and a postal job that turned sour. With bad supervisors, who didnt care about there employee's, and would treat them bad, and than fire them when they tried to communicate, that things could be better. So I have no work references, that I would want to use! Would it be better to just leave these jobs off the application and resume, and just put that I have been a stay at home mom for most of the years. Just put the 1 or 2 jobs, that don't make me look bad? I hate to lie, but I don't know what else to do! I need a job! Asked By: Sunday - 5/25/2007

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Right! List those you may get good references from and not those you got fired from. Employers expect you to leave those off anyway. Most ppl don't want a new boss getting a bad review from an old employer. Having spent most of your time as a mother is pretty common. Many employers are willing to hire you because you will work for less pay than someone with a lot of experience. Just remember to be at your best and if the interviewer asks if you have ever been fired tell them the truth but not much detail about the incident. Answered By: xenomenot - 5/25/2007

Additional Answers ()

You have a valid reason for gaps in your employment history but If any of your past jobs provided you with experience for the new position, you could include them on your resume. When asked why you left, you'll need to answer in a very non-judgmental tone. Give the reason you were fired and what you learned from the experience that would make you a better employee in the future. Whatever you do, don't ever slam your previous employer! Try to put a positive spin on it. Answered By: thecollectorshub - 5/26/2007

I know; the do-gooders will say that it's a lie by omission, but you are trying to better yourself, so I say, what you dont say, cant hurt you. Answered By: mary - 5/25/2007

Yes - most of your time was spent raising kids - no need to shoot yourself in the foot with bad references on your resume. Answered By: italiangirl - 5/25/2007

You do what you got to do to get the work and if that been the truth alittle so be it. Answered By: Dallas S - 5/25/2007

I'd put them on to account for your time. You can also pump up your resume/ap by the skills you acquired on those jobs. The creative part is listing (ok, embellishing) the length of time on each job and the reason you left, as well as $$ earned. Such jobs you described probably have a high turnover anyway. So yeah, lengthen the time where you can, and give reasons like "needed employment that offered more money" "enjoyed position but company downsized # of employees" "accepted employment for day shift and later, employer required evening shift" The jobs you are describing-usually they dont check previous employers. They dont have time! If you dont want to put jobs down but have to account for your time, then you can say you worked for yourself cleaning homes, you worked taking care of preschool children until they started school-things that you can give references if asked. (Got friends and family?) As for lying-well, if you are making my burger and lied to get the job, I dont care. If you're going to take out my appendix and have lied, well, then there's a problem. Sweetie, do the best you can for yourself! You need to eat and pay your rent/mortgage-its bad enough these jobs that you do right now hardly pay to get by. Be creative. Answered By: baghmom - 5/25/2007

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	What is a good response to "reason for leaving" on a job app about a job that you hated? If you just completley walked out on a job because it was sucking your life away, what would you write on your resume/job application for a new job? No, I don't want to dis my old boss or job, they were all nice people, it was just the job itself that sucked and I really couldn't take one more minute of it. And I don't want to write anything that says that it was a bad place, b/c obviously that would look bad on myself as well. I was just looking for something like "wanted to move on" but I'm not sure if that is acceptable for a job application. Haha. I think comments like "sucking my life away"" mean I am exactly the opposite of a typical 9-5 worker.... 6 answers - Asked By: Jareth Cutestory - 1/19/2009

	If I lack any job experience, how do I present myself for an employer to hire? Let's say that I am looking for a job and it will be my first real, official job. What would I do in terms of resume, job applications, and just explanation and things I should say to a possible employer? 3 answers - Asked By: LunaRegina - 4/4/2012

	Can u upload ur resume in job sites for the US and UK, if u r currently working in India? Hi, I am a SW professional working in India. Can I upload my resume in job sites for the US and UK? 2.Will they look into the profiles of people form outside their countries? 3. In the case of US,is it mandatory to have a H1B visa? Will the company that hire u offer the h1-bs? 1 answer - Asked By: ryan - 3/6/2010


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?